diff --git a/src/lib/stepper/stepper.md b/src/lib/stepper/stepper.md
index 5329c3d510f..37ac9a30d3b 100644
--- a/src/lib/stepper/stepper.md
+++ b/src/lib/stepper/stepper.md
@@ -129,17 +129,19 @@ by placing a `matStepperIcon` for each of the icons that you want to override:
 ```html
 <mat-vertical-stepper>
   <ng-template matStepperIcon="edit">
-    <custom-icon>edit</custom-icon>
+    <mat-icon>insert_drive_file</mat-icon>
   </ng-template>
 
   <ng-template matStepperIcon="done">
-    <custom-icon>done</custom-icon>
+    <mat-icon>done_all</mat-icon>
   </ng-template>
 
   <!-- Stepper steps go here -->
 </mat-vertical-stepper>
 ```
 
+Note that you aren't limited to using the `mat-icon` component when providing custom icons.
+
 ### Keyboard interaction
 - <kbd>LEFT_ARROW</kbd>: Focuses the previous step header
 - <kbd>RIGHT_ARROW</kbd>: Focuses the next step header